Background Designing effective health interventions and evaluating their impact is crucial to improving the health of the population. To ensure interventions are of high quality and effective, evidence-based research is essential, particularly studies that use randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews. However, RCTs may not be feasible or ethical in certain situations, such as in intensive care units. Cluster or stepped-wedge RCTs are alternative ways to assess interventions that also address these ethical concerns.

Aim To explain the stepped-wedge design and its main features as well as how to use it to evaluate nursing interventions.

Discussion Understanding stepped-wedge designs empowers nurses to implement evidence-based interventions and improve patient outcomes. The use of stepped-wedge designs has increased in nursing research over the past two decades, indicating growing recognition of its advantages: efficient evaluation of healthcare interventions, ensuring all clusters receive treatment over time; smaller sample sizes; ethical considerations; and time control. However, challenges remain: ensuring nurse researchers’ understanding and application of it is consistent, extended duration and logistical complexities. Methodological rigour, collaboration and understanding of secular trends are crucial, and nurses’ involvement in RCTs enhances cluster selection, data collection and dissemination.

Conclusion The stepped-wedge design offers an ethical and adaptable method for studying interventions, considering healthcare complexities and allocating resources. Its versatility assists the advancement of nursing care delivery and in promoting evidence-based practice.

Implications for practice Understanding stepped-wedge designs in nursing practice enhances evidence-based care, decision-making, collaboration and professional development, benefiting patient outcomes.